What is the coverage in Andorra in case of illness? Is it possible to access the country’s health services? If you are considering move to the Principality, we tell you everything you need to know as a foreign resident in Andorra.
Social Security in Andorra: Everything you need to know
When it comes to health coverage in Andorra, it is necessary to talk about CASS, Caixa Andorrana de Seguretat Social . This body is responsible for regulating medical coverage in the country, as well as social devices. If you are considering moving to the Principality, we tell you that the CASS is responsible for carrying out the management of reimbursements for medical and hospital expenses.
In order to enjoy the medical coverage benefits in Andorra, it is essential to join the CASS. Membership is mandatory for salaried people who carry out some professional activity in the country and of course, for the majority of residents.
The branches of Social Security in Andorra
The Social Security regime in Andorra, as well as sickness coverage, is divided into two different aspects. This is how we find thegeneral and retirement branches. The first refers to the general reimbursement benefits sector and those related to maternity, paternity, temporary work disability, etc.
For its part, the retirement branch affects the management of pensions for retirement and widowhood.
Quotes and costs of going to the doctor in Andorra
The social security and health contributions are determined as follows:
- Wage earners and employees. They have a withholding of 5.5 to 10.5% of the salary. The average amount of contributions is set at 14.5% of income. The employer is the one who pays the difference, that is, 4 to 9% of the workers’ salary.
- Entrepreneurs and company directors. These have a withholding of between 20 to 25% of the average monthly salary of the Principality. This average salary is calculated according to the income of all workers affiliated with the CASS.
- People without employment. They must pay between 200 and 400 euros per month to the CASS.
In addition to the contributions, the CASS is the body responsible for covering health costs in 75 to 100% of the expenses, depending on each case. In these ways, refunds can be:
- 75% of general health expenses. It applies to doctors and medications and offers the possibility of 100% coverage if complementary insurance is subscribed.
- 90% of hospitalization expenses.
- 100% of the expenses caused by an accident in the workplace or by an illness that has professional origin.
- 33% reimbursement, when the expenses are incurred by services not affiliated with the CASS.
How does the Andorran CASS system work?
If you are thinking about living in the Principality, then you have to refer to the CASS when it comes to social security. This organization was created in 1968 and covers more than 90% of the population of Andorra. Through the CASS it is possible to guarantee residents medical assistance coverage.
But in addition to having a very effective organization when it comes to social security, Andorra stands out for its reputable health system. The Principality is characterized by the quality of its hospitals, medical equipment, as well as the signing of international agreements with other European partners.
Andorran medical centers are present in all parishes and, in case of emergency and first aid, it is possible to contact them easily.
It is important to specify that the design of Social Security in Andorra is based on a unique model with very particular characteristics. This model is made up of a public health care service (social security) and is similar to any universal health system. However, it also offers the possibility of enjoying the benefits of private healthcare.
What is it like to go to the doctor for Social Security in Andorra?
Andorran residentspay a portion of the health coverage which is complete for people who lack resources. On the other hand, users can choose the primary doctor who will treat them in the 10 health centers spread throughout the territory. When it comes to hospitalizations, the Hospital Nostra Senyora de Meritxell, which has capacity for 200 beds.
On the other hand we find the“Preferential Route”, a system implemented by the Andorran government that requires users to have a reference primary doctor. This doctor is the one who will be in charge of coordinating primary care needs and who will refer, if necessary, to a specialist.
The Principality’s health system stands out from other similar systems because it provides a greater subsidy for dental treatments than the other countries around it, as is the case of Spain. But, as the population is smaller than in other countries, the government is forced to make agreements with countries like France and Spain, since the Principality does not have doctors who cover all specialties.
